Early permanence

Once each prospective adopter has, after discussion with their social worker, confirmed that they could consider early permanence, they will work together on additional elements of the assessment. Adding this to the assessment will look like a few extra hours. The prospective adopter’s report (PAR) will reflect the work each person does together around this; looking at the practical and emotional aspects.

We will ask prospective early permanence carers to discuss this option with their support network so that they also understand the difference between adoption and early permanence. Social workers will also discuss this with prospective early permanence carer’s referees to ensure they will be able to support the carers throughout their journey.

When prospective early permanence carers go to the approval panel all elements of their report will be considered and they will be recommended for approval to adopt and to be considered for early permanence placements.

Having been recommended for early permanence alongside adoption will mean that applicants will be able to see the profiles of children waiting for adoption as well as children with plans that include early permanence/fostering for adoption.

Once it has been agreed that someone will provide an early permanence placement for a specific child or children, the local authority will temporarily approve them as foster carer/s for this child or children.

Historically the number of children who return to the care of their families is low. However, each child’s circumstances are unique, and it is important to consider whether you can support a child or children as a foster carer through a period of increased uncertainty. Taking the weight of that uncertainty on behalf a child or children is not for everyone and it takes people to be emotionally robust and resilient.

If you think you can consider being a positive part of a child’s life by giving them the best start in life and/or a period of nurture and stability, our adoption social workers will prepare and support you through the uncertainty. If it is decided that a child or children can safely return to the care of their family, early permanence carers understand that they have provided vital stability to a child or children who need it the most. Having already been approved to adopt, applicants will be able to continue their journey towards adoption with the support of their social worker.

Courts should make final decisions about care plan for children within 26 weeks, though it can sometimes take longer.

It is advisable for early permanence carers to check with their employer’s (if applicable) fostering and adoption leave policy. Usually, however, adoption leave begins once the child or children are placed in their care.

Each child’s circumstances are unique and therefore their journey into care differs. For some it can be very quick, within days of being born, and others may take a little longer. It may be useful to consider how flexible current work commitments are.

No, early permanence is increasingly being considered for older children, as well as sisters and/or brothers.

As well as being approved as a PACT adopter, early permanence carers are also approved by local authorities a as a foster carer who will have the legal care of the child or children. Foster carers will need to keep regular notes (daily logs) on the wellbeing and care of the child or children as well as attend frequent meetings with their social worker.

Maintaining the children’s relationship with their family is important while their care plans are formalised through the courts. This is particularly significant as the child or children may return to the care of their birth family. Foster carers play a vital role in enabling children to attend direct family time and supporting them afterwards. Research has shown family time is incredibly important for children in care as it impacts on the development of their identity and gives them a better understanding of their personal history.

The amount of family time is agreed by the court. Each child’s plans are individual. Some may have family time up to 4-5 times a week so it is important that foster carers are able to support children with these opportunities.

Yes, foster carers receive an allowance from the local authority to help with childcare costs.

Foster carers may have a view on what is the best outcome for the child or children in their care. However, early permanence carers do not have any rights in relation to the child or children until the plan for adoption has been approved.

Once the placement order has been granted (the child is freed for adoption), foster carers will become the child or children’s prospective adopters. As soon as they are matched with the child, they can apply for the adoption order, providing the child or children have been living with them for over 10 weeks.